Many of you know Dana Walton (Director, Strategic Initiatives & Business Development) here at the Chamber. You’ve likely connected with her at an event, spoken with her about the value of Chamber Membership, met with her on ways to effectively align your business with sponsorship & advertising opportunities, or had her faciliate a Peer2Peer or Chamber Plus Network meeting. Dana has been an integral part of our Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that the Chamber is meeting the needs of our Members.
It’s bitter-sweet to announce that after 13 years with the KW Chamber, Dana Walton will be moving on to a new opportunity. Dana will be joining one of our Member Businesses, Future Focus Inc., where she will be leading their Business Development team here in Canada and the US.
Dana first joined the Chamber in Spring 2011 for a summer placement as a Marketing & Events Assistant. Upon completion of the contract, Dana was hired on a permanent basis to support in the role. Later, Dana moved into Project Coordinator and Executive Assistant positions. With her natural leadership abilities, and experience and general understanding of the various positions and departments throughout the Chamber, Dana eventually took on the management of the Marketing Team, Business Development Team, helped spearhead Advocacy efforts, and contributed to the overall strategy of the Chamber as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Although we’ll miss having Dana around the office everyday, we’re thrilled that she won’t be going far! Dana’s role with Future Focus Inc. will still see her attending Chamber events in the future.
We thank Dana Walton for her time with us here at the KW Chamber, and wish her all the best on her next Chapter!
Some of Dana’s favourite moments:
The Business Excellence Awards Gala feels like Christmas morning for me!
The most rewarding aspect of this role has been the invaluable connections with so many remarkable individuals, many of whom have become mentors and friends.
Our peer2peer groups have been a series of business case studies where I’m personally invested in the outcomes. I’ve also had the privilege to meet and work with amazing people within the Chamber team, our committees and through our programs.
I have two annual events that I look forward to each year. The first is Vine & Dine – it’s an incredible culinary experience, and I always enjoy the different pairings that the Chefs create.
Another favourite event is our Business Excellence Awards Gala. The BEAs are the Chamber’s version of Christmas morning to me. Everyone talks about the theme, the décor, and the incredible nominee business stories for months in advance- there’s so much build-up that comes from the planning and excitement each year. The best part about the BEAs for me though, is seeing everyone’s expression when they’re walking up to the stage and they realize that all of their hard work has paid off. I can’t think of the words to describe it, but that’s when it feels like Christmas morning to me- you’ve spent months of planning the perfect day and now you know that you’ve found the perfect gift!
For Membership questions and information, please email memberships@greaterkwchamber.com.
For Sponsorship information, please contact Heather Hutchings.
For Marketing & Communications information, please contact Carolyn Marsh.
To stay connected with Dana Walton, click here.
